Western Counties (west)

Okehampton 44

St Austell 12

ST AUSTELL arrived at the showfield propping up the league table and yet to record a Western Counties victory following relegation last season. Complacency, however, was never in Okehampton's minds as they carried on where they left off last week with a seven-try bonanza.

Although the score-line was ultimately convincing, plenty of scoring opportunities were missed and with a dominant back line capable of cutting the visitors to shreds out wide, the gap should have been greater.

Ever dependable Arnie Searle at full back recorded the first two touch-downs early in the game. The first was a simple run-in but the second involved an entertaining display of forwards and backs linking well up the left touch-line before a powerful finish.

The next four Okehampton tries all came courtesy of the dominant forward pack. The first was a pushover try finished by Skipper Steve Alford following powerful scrummaging work.

Kosta Voukov, starting in his first competitive game for over a year and adding much needed size and weight to the pack, was awarded the second with a good catch and drive from the lineout.

This took the game into half-time with the score a healthy 25-0 to the home side and and cricket score looking inevitable as the Cornishmen began to tire.

But, as seems to happen all too often, Okehampton, having built a good lead, relaxed, letting St Austell back. Following a poor 30 minutes in which Okehampton passes went to ground and too many penalties were given away, throwing away scoring opportunities, the visitors fought back to 35-12.

A few fresh legs coming onto the field gave the impetus to finish off what had been started well in the first half.

Steve Cook scored his second try following a pushover from the pack and Andrew Murry rounded off the game with a wonderful score beneath the sticks. Steve Alford found Dave Muggliston with a long loop pass who evaded a number of defenders before beating the full back with a pass inside to Murry.

In the end it was a convincing win, but Okehampton cannot afford to take their foot off the gas when they get their noses in front against better sides.

This week sees a friendly fixture against Sidmouth at home giving a much-needed break from the league and allowing a few different player options to be tested.